Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
SPECIFICATION
PANTY TYPE DIAPER (BRIEF-TYPE DIAPER)
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a brief-type diaper, and more particularly, to a
diaper which is molded into the form of a brief by folding an absorbent for
absorbing body fluids in a multilayer at the center of a pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper and by cementing together side edge portion of the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper.
RELATED ART
A diaper, such as that shown in, e.g., Fig. 13 (JP06-296638A), is
available as a diaper of this type. The drawing shows a sheet into which the
diaper is developed. A bow-shaped notch "b" is formed at either side edge of a
sheet "a." An absorbent "e" is provided so as to spread across a front
abdominal region "c" and a rear abdominal region "d." The sheet "a" is
vertically folded in two, and side edge portions "f' are cemented together,
thereby forming a waist opening and leg openings.
In the case of this diaper, both side edge portion "f° of the
respective front
and rear abdominal regions "c" and "d" are cemented together, and hence
cemented lines possessing rigidity are present so as to stretch from the waist
opening to the leg openings. For this reason, a wearer has an unusual feeling
around his/her legs.
When the wearer wears the diaper, the diaper is often pulled up by
pinching the right-side and left-side portions located in the vicinity of the
waist
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opening. At that time, there arises the problem of a cemented section f having
rigidity hindering the wearer from pinching the waist opening, thereby posing
difficulty in pulling the diaper upward. Further, since the entire diaper is
formed
flat, a space for receiving and holding excretions is not formed. Hence, when
attempting to get out of his/her diaper, the wearer experiences the
inconvenience of the excretions adhering to the wearer's body.
In order to avoid the inconvenience, there has been proposed a
technique as described in Japanese Patent No. 2572744. According to the
technique, an opening is formed in a front sheet within a center crotch area
of a
diaper. Elastic members are provided on both adjacent sides of the opening in
a longitudinal direction (front and rear direction) of the diaper, thereby
imparting
tension to the front side sheet. When the diaper is in use, the front side
sheet
located within the crotch area is separated from a rear sheet and an
absorbent,
thereby gathering excretions within the crotch area.
However, when body pressure is exerted on the diaper while the wearer
wears the diaper, a pocket structure-in which the front sheet is separated
from
the rear sheet and the absorbent-is collapsed. Hence, a surface area to be
used for absorbing body fluids such as urine is reduced, and the diaper
becomes vulnerable to leakage. Moreover, since the diaper has the opening,
a problem of an increase in manufacturing costs also arises.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The invention has been conceived in view of the foregoing drawbacks
and provides a brief-type diaper which eliminates occurrence of the unusual
feeling, which would otherwise arise around the legs, which is superior in
ease
of wearing, as welt as receive and hold the excretion with created pocket
while
the diaper is formed.
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In order to solve the problem, the present inventors have found that a
brief-type diaper having no cemented sections on right and left abdominal
regions in a girth section, while obtaining created pocket which can receive
and
hold the excretion, is obtained by folding a pre-form blank for the diaper
along
the axis of symmetry and cementing side edge portion of the pre-form blank,
wherein the pre-form blank has an outer sheet constituting an exterior, an
inner
sheet which comes into contact with a wearer, an absorbent for absorbing body
fluids, an elastic member for causing portions of the outer and inner sheets
to
contract and extend, and a pair of leg openings through which the wearer's
legs
penetrate. On the basis of this finding, the present invention have come to
complete the present invention.
Equivalently, the brief-type diaper of the invention is provided on the
basis of the idea that a pair of leg openings are formed in advance in a pre-
form
blank for a brief-type diaper and the side edge portion are cemented together
by
folding the pre-form blank along an intermediate position between the pair of
leg
openings.
More specifically, the invention provides the following features:
(1) A brief-type diaper having an outer sheet constituting an exterior, an
inner sheet which comes into contact with a wearer, an absorbent for absorbing
body fluids, an elastic member for causing portions of the outer and inner
sheets to contract and extend, and a pair of leg openings through which the
wear's legs penetrate, wherein the absorbent is arranged such that a portion
of
the absorbent is located between the pair of leg openings; and a cemented
section is provided in a front abdominal region of the brief-type diaper so as
to
extend from the waist opening to a position between the pair of leg openings,
and another cemented section is provided in a rear abdominal region of the
brief-type diaper so as to extend from the waist opening to the position
between
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the pair of leg openings.
According to the invention (1), the cemented sections are provided so
as to extend from the waist opening to the crotch section by avoiding leg
openings and across the front and rear abdominal regions. No cemented
sections are provided on right and left abdominal regions of the girth section
(more specifically, the both side area of girth section) so as to extend from
the
waist opening to the crotch section. Therefore, when a wearer wears the
diaper, he/she can readily pull up the diaper while pinching the lateral
portion of
the waist opening with the fingers. Thus, the diaper becomes easier to wear.
Further, the wearer does not have any unusual feeling around hislher legs upon
wearing them.
In the invention, the term "front abdominal region" means a surface of a
brief-type diaper facing an abdominal area when the diaper is viewed from
above. The term "rear abdominal region" means a rear surface of the diaper
opposite the front abdominal region. Also the term "right and left abdominal
regions" means a surface of brief-type diaper facing right and left of body
side
when the diaper is viewed from above.
(2) The brief-type diaper according to (1), wherein the cemented
sections are continuous fibers which extend across substantial center sections
of the front and rear abdominal regions in a direction in which the brief-type
diaper is to be worn.
According to the invention (2), the cemented sections are continuous
fibers which extend across substantial center sections of the front and rear
abdominal regions in a direction in which the brief-type diaper is to be worn.
Therefore, the cemented sections exist across the center sections of the
front and rear abdominal regions so as to extend from the waist opening to the
crotch section. Further, no cemented sections are provided on both lateral
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sides of the girth section, and hence the wearer does not have any unusual
feeling around his/her legs while wearing the diaper. No cemented sections
exist on right and left abdominal regions of the girth section (more
specifically,
the both side portion of girth section) so as to extend from the waist opening
to
the leg openings. Hence, when wearing the diaper, the wearer can readily pull
up the diaper while pinching on the lateral portion at the waist opening with
the
fingers. Thus, the diaper becomes easy to wear. The term "fiber" describes
that fiber characteristics with thin elongated string-like or thin band-like
condition,
which the thickness and width are not particularly limited. Also the term
"direction in which the brief-type diaper is to be worn" describes the
vertical
direction upon wearing the brief-type diaper.
(3) A pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper which is a
substantially-rectangular single cloth and in which a substantial center of a
side
of a part of the pre-form blank to act as the front abdominal region assumes
the
shape of a substantially-V-shaped indentation, and a substantial center of a
side of the other part of the pre-form blank to act as the rearward abdominal
region also assumes the shape of a substantially-V-shaped indentation, the
pre-form blank having a pre-girth section to act as a girth section, pre-leg
opening sections to act as leg opening sections, and a pre-crotch section to
act
as a crotch section, further comprising the pre-girth section being present in
the
form of an upper rectangular portion and a lower rectangular portion, wherein
an elastic member is provided in the pre-girth section in a stretched manner,
and the pre-leg openings being present in the form of holes and at positions
which are symmetrical about the axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper; and the pre-crotch section being located at an intermediate
position in the pre-girth section and having substantially-V-shaped
indentations
along both sides of the parts of the pre-form blank to act as the front and
rear
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abdominal regions.
The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper according to (3) is a
substantially-rectangular single cloth, wherein a substantial center of a side
(a
left or right side of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper) of a part of
the
pre-form blank to act as the front abdominal region assumes the shape of a
substantially-V-shaped indentation, and a substantial center of a side of the
other part of the pre-form blank to act as the rearward abdominal region also
assumes the shape of a substantially-V-shaped indentation. The pre-form
blank for a brief type diaper has a pre-girth section to act as a girth
section,
pre-leg opening sections to act as leg opening sections, and a pre-crotch
section to act as a crotch section. Further, the pre-girth section is present
in
the form of an upper substantially-rectangular portion and a lower
substantially-rectangular portion, wherein an elastic member is provided in
the
pre-girth section in a stretched manner. The pre-leg openings are present in
the form of a pair holes and at positions which are symmetrical about the axis
of
symmetry of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper. The pre-crotch section
is located at an intermediate position in the pre-girth section and has
substantially-V-shaped indentations along both sides of the parts of the
pre-form blank to act as the front and rear abdominal regions.
The absorbent is provided on the pre-form blank fro a brief-type diaper
and at the intermediate position between the pre-leg openings such that the
longitudinal direction of the absorbent coincides with the direction of axis
of
symmetry of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper. The pre-form blank for
a brief-type diaper is folded vertically along the axis of symmetry of the pre-
form
blank, thereby cementing together the side edge portion of the pre-girth
section
in the front abdominal region and the side of the pre-girth section in the
rear
abdominal region and cementing together the side edge of the pre-crotch
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section in the rear abdominal region and the side of the pre-crotch section in
the
rear abdominal region. As a result, the waist opening is formed, thereby
forming a brief-type diaper having the leg openings. The pre-form blank is
folded vertically along the intermediate position between the pair of pre-leg
sections (more specifically, the axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper). Hence, the side edge portions of the pre-girth and
pre-crotch sections in the front abdominal region and the side edge portions
of
the same in the rear abdominal region are cemented together. Consequently,
cemented sections are formed in the front and rear abdominal regions of the
brief-type diaper.
In the invention, the term "pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper" means
a member to be used for forming a brief-type diaper; a single cloth when it is
developed by separating cemented sections of the diaper. The term "pre-girth
section" means a section which is to act as a girth section when the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper is formed into a diaper. The term "pre-leg
opening" means a section which is to act as a leg opening when the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper is formed into a diaper. The term "pre-crotch
section" means a section which is to act as a crotch section when the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper is formed into a diaper. The vertical direction
signifies the Y direction, provided that the axis of symmetry of the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper is taken as the X direction and a direction
orthogonal to the X direction is taken as a Y direction. Further, the
horizontal
direction signifies the X direction, provided that the axis of symmetry of the
pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper is taken as the X direction and a
direction
orthogonal to the X direction is taken as the Y direction. Moreover, the holes
of the pre-leg openings mean holes which constitute leg openings when the
pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper is formed into a brief-type diaper. The
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geometry of the pre-leg opening includes a mere cut (slit) as well as a
circular
shape of an opening.
(4) A pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper which is a
substantially-oval single cloth wherein a substantial center of each
respective
side to act as the front and rear abdominal region assumes the shape of a
substantially-V-shaped indentation, the pre-form blank having a pre-girth
section to act as a girth section, pre-leg opening sections to act as leg
opening
sections, and a pre-crotch section to act as a crotch section, further
comprising
the pre-girth section being present in the form of an upper
substantially-semicircular portion and a lower substantially-semicircular
portion,
wherein an elastic member is provided in the pre-girth section in a stretched
manner and the pre-leg openings being present in the form of holes and at
positions which are symmetrical about the axis of symmetry of the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper; and the pre-crotch section being located at an
intermediate position in the pre-girth section and having substantially-V-
shaped
indentations along both sides of the parts of the pre-form blank to act as the
front and rear abdominal regions.
Pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper according to the invention (4) is a
substantially-oval single cloth, wherein a substantial center of each side of
the
pre-form blank to act as the front abdominal region assumes the shape of a
substantially-V-shaped indentation, and a substantial center of a side of the
other part of the pre-form blank to act as the rearward abdominal region also
assumes the shape of a substantially-V-shaped indentation. The pre-form
blank has a pre-girth section to act as a girth section, pre-leg opening
sections
to act as leg opening sections, and a pre-crotch section to act as a crotch
section. Further, the pre-girth section is present in the form of an arc
portion of a
substantially-semicircular upper portion and an arc portion of a
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substantially-semicircular lower portion, wherein an elastic member is
provided
in the pre-girth section in a stretched manner. The pre-leg openings are
present in the form of holes and at positions which are symmetrical about the
axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank for brief-type diaper. The pre-crotch
section is located at an intermediate position in the pre-girth section and
has
substantially-V-shaped indentations along both sides of the pre-form blank to
act as the front and rear abdominal regions.
Therefore, the absorbent is provided on the pre-form blank for brief-type
diaper and at the intermediate position between the pre-leg openings such that
the longitudinal direction of the absorbent coincides with the direction of
axis of
symmetry of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper. The pre-form blank for
a
brief-type diaper is folded vertically along the axis of symmetry of the pre-
form
blank, thereby cementing together the side edge portion of the pre-crotch
section. Thus, the waist opening is formed, thereby forming a brief-type
diaper
having the leg openings. Here, the pre-form blank is folded vertically along
the
intermediate position between the pair of pre-leg sections (more specifically,
the
axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper). Hence, the
side
edges of the pre-girth and pre-crotch sections in the front abdominal region
and
the side edges of the same in the rear abdominal region are cemented together.
Consequently, cemented sections are formed in the front and rear abdominal
regions of the brief-type diaper.
(5) The brief-type diaper according to (1) or (2), wherein the brief-type
diaper is formed from the single outer sheet constituting the pre-girth
section
and the pre-crotch section, the elastic member provided on an upper surface of
the outer sheet in an extended state, the inner sheet which is attached
integrally
to the outer sheet and the elastic member and is substantially identical in
size
and shape with the outer sheet, and the absorbent provided in a substantial
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center of an upper surface of the inner sheet; and wherein both side edges of
the pre-girth section and/or both side edges of the pre-crotch section are
fixedly
cemented together, to thereby constitute a waist opening.
The brief-type diaper of the invention (5) is formed from the single outer
sheet constituting the pre-girth section and the pre-crotch section; the
elastic
member provided on an upper surface of the outer sheet in an extended state;
the inner sheet which is attached integrally to the outer sheet and the
elastic
member and is substantially identical in size and shape with the outer sheet;
and the absorbent provided in a substantial center of an upper surface of the
inner sheet. Both side edge portions of the pre-girth section and/or both side
edge portions of the pre-crotch section are fixedly cemented together, to
thereby constitute a waist opening.
The pre-form blank is folded vertically along the intermediate position
between the pair of pre-leg sections (more specifically, the axis of symmetry
of
the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper). Hence, both side edge portions of
the pre-girth and/or pre-crotch sections (side edge portions located in the
front
and rear abdominal regions) are cemented together. Consequently, the
resultantly-cemented sections are formed in the front and rear abdominal
regions of the brief-type diaper.
Here the term "upper surface" of the inner and outer sheet means to
describe the wearer's lateral body side of the outer and inner sheet.
(6) The brief-type diaper according to (1) or (2), wherein the brief-type
diaper is formed from the single outer sheet constituting the pre-girth
section
and the pre-crotch section, the elastic member provided on an upper surface of
the outer sheet in an extended state, the absorbent provided in a substantial
center of an upper surface of the inner sheet, and the inner sheet which is
substantially identical in size and shape with the outer sheet, which has an
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
opening section in a substantial center thereof, and which is attached
integrally
to the outer sheet and the elastic member such that the opening section covers
an outer brim of the absorbent; and wherein both side edge porkions of the
pre-girth section and/or both side edge portions of the pre-crotch section are
fixedly cemented together, to thereby constitute a waist opening.
The brief-type diaper of the invention (6) is formed from the single outer
sheet constituting the pre-girth section and the pre-crotch section; the
elastic
member provided on an upper surface of the outer sheet in an extended state,
and the absorbent provided in a substantial center of an upper surface of the
inner sheet; and the inner sheet which is substantially identical in size and
shape with the outer sheet, which has an opening section in a substantial
center
thereof, and which is attached integrally to the outer sheet and the elastic
member such that the opening section covers an outer brim of the absorbent.
Both side edge portions of the pre-girth section andlor both side edge
portions
of the pre-crotch section of pre-form blank for brief-type diaper are fixedly
cemented together, to thereby constitute a waist opening.
The pre-form blank is folded vertically along the intermediate position
between the pair of pre-leg sections (more specifically, the axis of symmetry
of
the pre-form blank for brief-type diaper). Hence, both side edges of the
pre-girth andlor pre-crotch sections (more specifically, the side edges
located in
the front and rear abdominal regions) are cemented together. Consequently,
the resultantly-cemented sections are formed in the front and rear abdominal
regions of the brief-type diaper.
(7) The brief-type diaper according to (1) or (2), wherein both
longitudinal ends of the absorbent are split into two in a widthwise
direction; a
non-split section of the absorbent is located in a center of the crotch
section;
and the split sections of the absorbent are arranged in a center of the front
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abdominal region and that of the rear abdominal region so as to straddle the
cemented sections.
According to the brief type diaper of the invention (7), both longitudinal
ends of the absorbent are split in two in a widthwise direction, and the non-
split
section of the absorbent is located in a center of the crotch section.
Further,
the split sections of the absorbent are arranged in a center of the front
abdominal region and that of the rear abdominal region so as to straddle the
cemented sections.
Therefore, the cemented sections are provided in the center sections of
the front and rear abdominal regions of brief type diaper. The split sections
of
the absorbent are arranged so as to straddle the cemented sections.
Therefore, when a brief-type diaper is formed from the pre-form blank, the
absorbent is pulled by cementing action, whereby bulging sections are formed
from the absorbent in the crotch section of the front abdominal region and in
that of the rear abdominal region. Excretions, such as fecal matter, are
stored
and held by the bulging section located in the rearward abdominal region of
the
diaper so as not to come into contact with the body of the wearer. Further, a
penis is accommodated within the bulging section of the front abdominal region
of the diaper.
(8) The brief-type diaper according to (7), wherein a leakage prevention
wall is provided along longitudinal side edges of the absorbent over the
entire
length thereof.
According to the invention (8), a leakage prevention wall is provided
along longitudinal side edges of the absorbent, wherein the absorbent is
comprised of pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper, over the entire length
thereof. Thus, when the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper is formed into
a
brief-type diaper, the leakage prevention wall is formed around the absorbent
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provided in the diaper so as to extend from the longitudinal center of the
absorbent over the entire length thereof. As a result, seepage excretions such
as urine, which would otherwise arise from edges of the leg openings, can be
prevented further.
(9) The pre-form blank for brief-type diaper according to (3), wherein the
elastic member is provided along an edge of the pre-girth section in an
extended manner.
According to the invention (9), pre-form blank for brief-type diaper,
formed from the elastic member provided along the edge of the pre-girth
section
in a stretched manner. Therefore, when the pre-form blank is folded and the
side edges of the blank are cemented together, to thereby form a waist
opening,
the elastic member contracts, thereby rendering the girth section elastic.
Therefore, the diaper conforms to the skin of the wearer when the diaper is
worn. The elastic members are preferably made such that the degree of
elongation and stress change from the waist region to the girth region. As a
result, the degree of fastening changes from the waist region to the girth
region,
thereby causing the diaper to conform much better to the figure of the
wearer's
body.
In the invention, the term "waist region" means a part of the diaper
which conforms to a position on the body above the hip bone. Further, the
term "girth section" means a part of the diaper which conforms to the area of
the
body ranging from the hip bone to the crotch.
(10) The brief-type diaper for brief-type diaper according to (4), wherein
the elastic member is provided along a substantially-semicircular outer brim
of
the pre-girth section in a stretched manner.
According to the invention (10), the elastic member of pre-form blank for
brief-type diaper is provided along the outer periphery of the pre-girth
section in
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a stretched manner. Therefore, when the pre-form blank is folded and the side
edge portions of the pre-crotch section are cemented together, to thereby form
a brief-type diaper, the elastic member contracts, thereby rendering the girth
section elastic. Therefore, the diaper conforms to the skin of the wearer when
the diaper is worn. The elastic members are preferably made such that the
degree of elongation and stress change from the waist region to the girth
region.
As a result, the degree of fastening changes from the waist region to the
girth
region, thereby causing the diaper to conform much better to the figure of the
wearer's body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a partially fragmentary developed plan view showing a
developed state of a brief-type diaper according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper of the first
embodiment when viewed from the front;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper of the first
embodiment when viewed from the rear;
Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper of the first
embodiment when viewed from the side;
Fig. 5 is a descriptive view showing a case where a leakage
prevention wall is provided on the brief-type diaper of the first embodiment
shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a plan view of a brief-type diaper obtained as a result of the
brief-type diaper shown in Fig. 5 having been formed;
Fig. 7 is a partially fragmentary developed plan view showing a
modification of the first embodiment according to the invention;
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Fig. 8 is a partially fragmentary developed plan view showing the
developed state of a brief-type diaper according to a second embodiment of
the invention;
Fig.9A is a schematic perspective view showing the second
embodiment of the brief-type diaper when viewed from the front.
Fig. 9B is a schematic perspective view showing the second
embodiment of the brief-type diaper when viewed from the rear.
Fig. 9C is a schematic perspective view showing the second
embodiment of the brief-type diaper when viewed from the side;
Fig. 10 is a descriptive view of the brief-type diaper of the second
embodiment, showing a case where a leakage prevention wall is provided on
the brief-type diaper;
Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a brief-type diaper obtained as a result of
the brief-type diaper shown in Fig. 10 being formed;
Fig. 12 is a partially fragmented developed plan view showing a
modification of the second embodiment.
Fig. 13 is a developed plan view of conventional brief-type diaper
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Embodiments of the invention wilt be described in detail hereinbelow by
reference to the drawings.
(First Embodiment]
Fig. 1 is a partially fragmentary developed plan view showing a
developed state of a brief-type diaper according to a first embodiment of the
invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper
according to the invention of the first embodiment when viewed from the front;
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper according to
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CA 02485863 2004-11-12
invention of the first embodiment when viewed from the rear; Fig. 4 is a
according to the invention schematic perspective view of the brief-type diaper
of
the first embodiment when viewed from the side; Fig. 5 is a descriptive view
showing a case where a leakage prevention wall is provided on the brief-type
diaper of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a
brief-type diaper obtained as a result of the diaper shown in Fig. 5 having
been
formed; Fig. 7 is a partially fragmented developed plan view showing a
modification of the first embodiment according to the invention;
With in reference to numeral 1 of Fig.1, designates a pre-form blank for
a brief-type diaper, formed from an outer sheet 2 constituting an exterior,
and
an inner sheet 3 to be brought into contact with a wearer's skin wherein the
outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 assume a substantially-rectangular shape.
The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper comprises substantially-rectangular
pre-girth sections 4, 4' located at upper and lower portions of the pre-form
blank
for brief-type diaper 1; and a swath pre-crotch section 5 which is located
between the pre-girth sections 4, 4' and has substantially-V-shaped
indentations 6, one being located along side edges of the part of the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper which is to constitute a front abdominal region
and
the other being located along side edges of the part of the pre-form blank
which
is to constitute a rear abdominal region 100, 101. A pair of pre-leg openings
7
are formed in the form of substantially-oval holes at respective positions on
the
pre-girth sections 4, 4', the positions being symmetrical with respect to an
axis
of symmetry X-X of the pre-form blank 1 for a brief-type diaper. The geometry
of the pre-leg opening 7 is not limited to a substantially-oval shape but may
be a
circular or semi-circular shape, or a simple cut line (slit).
Reference numeral 8 designates an absorbent, and the absorbent 8
comprises a liquid-impervious back sheet, a liquid-pervious top sheet, and an
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absorbent core interposed between the sheets. Each longitudinal end of the
absorbent core is split in two in a transverse direction of the absorbent
core. A
non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 is provided at the center of the
pre-crotch section 5 such that a longitudinal direction of the absorbent 8 is
oriented horizontally. Split sections 8b are provided along respective side
edge portions 5a, of the substantially-V-shaped indentations 6 formed at the
respective ends of the pre-crotch section 5.
Inner sheet 3 is bonded integrally to the upper surface of the outer
sheet 2 (Hereinafter, upper surface is referred to as body side surface of the
wearer), and the absorbent 8 is laminated onto the upper surface of the inner
sheet 3. Alternatively, a waterproof back sheet, which will be described later
and constitutes the absorbent 8, may be interposed between the outer sheet 2
and the inner sheet 3. Thus, even when excretions, such as body fluids, have
erroneously leaked out, the back sheet will prevent seepage the excretions to
the outer sheet 2. Elastic members 9 are horizontally provided on the upper
surface of the sheet 2 along the upper end of the pre-girth section 4 and the
other lower end of the pre-girth section 4' in a stretched manner. When the
pre-form blank has been formed into a brief-type diaper, the elastic members 9
undergo extension and shrinkage, thereby rendering a girth portion of the
diaper
resilient. The elastic members 9 to be provided at the pre-girth sections 4,
4'
are preferably made such that the degree of elongation and stress change from
the waist region to the girth region. As a result, the degree of fastening
changes from the waist region to the girth region, thereby causing the diaper
to
conform much better to the figure of the wearer's body. In other words,
allowing
appropriate fit just enough from brief-type diaper to be fall off and be able
to fit
at the ease around the waist. The way to change the fitness around the waist
and girth region may also be achieved by selecting the number of elastic
17
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
members, intervals at which the elastic members are to be stretched, the
thickness of the elastic members, and materials of the elastic members, as
required, rather than changing the degree of its elongation. In addition,
settings
on degree of elongation and stress of elastic member 9 can be same.
In the specification, the horizontal direction signifies an X direction,
provided that the axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank for a brief-type
diaper 1
is taken as the X direction and a direction orthogonal to the X direction is
taken
as a Y direction. Further, the vertical direction signifies the Y direction,
provided that the axis of symmetry of the pre-form blank 1 is taken as the X
direction and a direction orthogonal to the X direction is taken as a Y
direction.
The term "waist region" is the area of the diaper its above the hipbone. The
term " girth region" is the area of the diaper fits between hipbone and crotch
area of the body upon wearing them.
When a brief-type diaper 10 shown in fig. 2 formed from the pre-form
blank 1, the non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 comes to the center of
the
pre-crotch section 5 on the upper surface of the inner sheet 3 of the pre-form
blank 1. The split sections 8b are provided along respective side edges 5a, of
the substantially-V-shaped indentations 6 formed at the respective ends of the
pre-crotch section 5 and are bonded to the inner sheet 3. The pre-crotch
section 5 is folded vertically along the axis of symmetry X-X. The pre-girth
sections 4, 4' are superimposed one on the other and side edge portions 4a of
the superimposed pre-girth sections 4, 4' are cemented together, and the side
edge portions 5a of the superimposed pre-crotch section 5 are cemented
together, thereby forming a waist opening 14. A cementing method to be
employed in this embodiment includes thermal fusing, ultrasonic fusing, and
bonding involving use of an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.
Figs. 2 and 3 show the thus-formed brief-type diaper. Cemented
18
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
sections 11, 11' are formed in the brief-type diaper 10 so as to extend
straight
from the waist opening 14 to a crotch section 13 in the longitudinal direction
along the center section of the front abdominal region and that of the rear
abdominal region 100, 101.
As detail shown in Fig. 4, the cemented sections 11, 11' extend from the
waist opening 14 to portions of the crotch section 13 within the front and
rear
abdominal regions 100, 101. The absorbent 8 is provided so as to extend
across the front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101 via the crotch section
13.
As shown in Figs. 2 through 4, the non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 is
placed in the center area of the crotch section 13. Further, the split
sections
8b of the absorbent 8 are placed such that one split section 8b extends from
the
girth section 12 in the front abdominal region 100 to the crotch section 13 so
as
to straddle the cemented section 11, 11' and such that the other split section
8b
extends from the girth section 12 in the rear abdominal region 101 to the
crotch
section 13 so as to straddle the cemented section 11, 11'. Thus, the absorbent
8 is split, and the crotch section 13 is formed in a curved shape. Hence, the
outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 are pushed by the absorbent 8 in the
crotch
section 13 between the front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101 (within the
areas encircled by dotted lines in Fig. 4), thereby forming bulging sections
16,
16.
In the brief-type diaper 10, the rigid cemented sections 11, 11' extend
straight in the longitudinal direction along the center sections of the front
and
rear abdominal regions 100, 101 so as to avoid the leg openings 15. Hence,
the wearer does not have any unusual feeling around the legs.
Further, the cemented section 11 is located at the center of the front
abdominal region 100, and the cemented section 11' is located at the center of
the rear abdominal region 101. Thus, the cemented sections 11, 11' are
19
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
spaced apart from lateral portions of the pre-form blank 1 in the girth
section 12
when viewed from the front and back. Therefore, when the wearer wears the
diaper, the cemented sections 11, 11' do not hinder the wearer from pulling up
the diaper 10. At that time, the cemented sections 11, 11' do not catch any
part of the wearer's body.
Further, the bulging sections 16, 16 arise in the crotch section 13 of the
front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101, whereby spaces are defined
between the absorbent 8 and the wearer's skin. Since the wearer's penis or
excretions such as fecal matter are housed in the spaces, the degree to which
the excretions adhere to the wearer's skin can be diminished. Further, the
absorbent 8 of the crotch section 13 assumes a flat surface which is likely to
absorb body fluids such as urine.
Alternatively, a leakage prevention wall 17 may be provided beforehand
on either longitudinal side of the absorbent 8 in the longitudinal direction
thereof.
As shown in Fig. 5, if the leakage prevention wall 17 is provided along both
side
edges of the absorbent 8, the leakage prevention wall 17 will be provided
along
a boundary between the absorbent 8, pre-girth sections 4, 4' of the pre-from
blank for a diaper 1 and the pre-crotch section 5. When the pre-form blank for
a brief-type diaper 1 is formed into the brief-type diaper 10, the extremities
of
the leakage prevention walls 17 are closed at the cemented sections 11, 11'.
When viewed from above, the leakage prevention wall 17 assumes a
substantially-oval shape such as that shown in Fig. 6. The leakage prevention
wall 17 is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric cloth. The elastic member 9
is provided along a free longitudinal side of the leakage prevention wall 17
in an
elongated state. When the pre-form blank 1 is formed into the diaper-type
brief
10, elastic member 9 will contract to raise the leakage prevention wall 17.
Provision of the leakage prevention wall 17 yields the effect of the ability
to
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
prevent leakage of body fluids such as urine from the absorbent 8.
The outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3, which are members for
constituting these brief-type diapers 10, are preferably made of gas-permeable
nonwoven fabric cloth, more preferably of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric cloth.
For example, the nonwoven fabric cloth includes spun bond nonwoven fabric
cloth made of polypropylene or the like; through-air nonwoven fabric cloth
made
of fibers, such as polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene
terephthalate fibers, or the like; and spun lace nonwoven fabric cloth. In
addition, there may also be employed a complex sheet formed from nonwoven
fabric cloth which includes elastomer or copolymer and possesses flexibility
and
an extensible characteristic-and a flexible film. Moreover, a liquid-
impervious
plastic film, for example, liquid impervious back sheet comprising absorbent 8
may be sandwiched between the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3.
Absorbent 8 is formed from a rectangular or guitar-shaped absorbent
core which is sandwiched between the liquid-impervious back sheet and the
liquid-pervious top sheet such that each longitudinal end of the core is split
from
a longitudinal center in a transverse direction of the core. The
liquid-impervious back sheet is nonwoven fabric cloth which has been subjected
to water repellent finishing, a moisture-permeable plastic film having minute
pores, or a layered product consisting from the fabric cloth and the plastic
film.
Nonwoven fabric cloth is usually used for the liquid-pervious top sheet. The
absorbent core is preferably a core made by combined use of defibrated pulp
and water-absorptive polymer. In addition, a core-which is formed from a
mixture of cellulose fibers, thermoplastic resin, high-molecular water-
absorptive
polymer, heat-fusible fibers, and the like and which has been subjected to
heat
treatment--is also preferable. In the case of an absorbent into which several
layers are stacked, a polymer may be located in an upper layer, an
intermediate
21
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
layer, or a lower layer. Alternatively, the polymer may be uniformly mixed
with
pulp. The water-absorptive polymer preferably has the capability of absorbing
liquid which is 20 times or more the weight of the polymer and the property of
gelation. Preferable water-absorptive polymer includes starch-acrylic acid
(acrylate) graft copolymer, saponificated starch-acrylonitrile copolymer,
crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and acrylic acid (acrylate)
polymer.
The elastic members 9 are not limited to any particular material but are
formed from any material, so long as the material possesses elasticity; for
example, rubber yarn made of natural/synthetic rubber or polyurethane, a
ribbon-shaped elastic body, heat-shrinkable material, and water-absorptive
shrinkable fibers.
Fig. 7 shows a modification of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig.
7, the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 1 assumes a
substantially-rectangular shape, formed from substantially-rectangular pre-
girth
sections 4, 4', the pre-girth section 4 being located at an upper position on
the
pre-form blank and the pre-girth section 4' being located at a lower position
on
the pre-form blank; the outer sheet 2 which is located at an intermediate
position between the pre-girth sections 4, 4' and has the substantially-swath
pre-crotch section 5 having at both ends thereof the substantially-V-shaped
indentations 6, each indentation being provided along side edges of front and
rear abdominal region 100, 101 sides of the pre-form blank; and the inner
sheet
3 which is substantially identical in size and shape with the outer sheet 2
and
has an opening section 18 which is formed in the center of the outer sheet
(center of the pre-crotch section 5) and substantially identical in size with
or
slightly smaller than the absorbent 8. The pre-form blank may assume a
structure in which the inner sheet 3 is integrally provided on the upper
surface
of the outer sheet 2. The elastic member 9 is provided horizontally in an
22
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
extended state on the upper surface of the outer sheet 2 along the upper edge
of the pre-girth section 4 and along the other lower edge of the pre-girth
section
4'. The elastic members 9 to be provided at the pre-girth sections 4, 4' are
preferably made such that the degree of elongation and stress change from the
waist region to the girth region. As a result, the degree of fastening changes
from the waist region to the girth region, thereby causing the diaper to
conform
much better to the figure of the wearer's body. Moreover, pair of pre-leg
openings 7 is formed in the form of a substantially-oval hole at respective
positions on the pre-girth sections 4, 4', the positions being symmetrical
with
respect to an axis of symmetry X-X of the pre-form blank 1. The geometry of
the pre-leg opening 7 is not limited to a substantially-oval shape but may be
a
circular or semi-circular shape or a simple cut line (slit).
When a brief-type diaper is formed from the pre-form blank 1, the
non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 coincides with the opening section 18
of
the inner sheet 3 at the center of the pre-crotch section 5 and between the
outer
sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 of the pre-form blank 1. The split sections 8b
are
provided along the side edge portions 5a of the substantially-V-shaped
indentations 6 formed at the respective ends of the pre-crotch section 5 and
are
bonded to the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3. The pre-crotch section 5 is
folded vertically along the axis of symmetry X-X. The pre-girth sections 4, 4'
are superimposed one on the other. The side edge portions 4a of the
superimposed pre-girth sections 4, 4' are cemented together, and the side
edges 5a of the superimposed pre-crotch section 5 are cemented together,
thereby forming the waist opening 14. A cementing method to be employed in
this case includes thermal fusing, ultrasonic fusing, and bonding involving
use
of an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.
1n this way, as in the case of the first embodiment, the cemented
23
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
sections 11, 11' are formed in the thus-formed brief-type diaper of the
modification, not illustrated, so as to extend straight from the waist opening
14
to a crotch section 13 in the longitudinal direction along the center section
of the
front abdominal region and that of the rear abdominal region 100, 101 (See
fig.2
through 4).
The cemented sections 11, 11', as in the case of the first embodiment,
extend from the waist opening 14 to portions of the crotch section 13 within
the
front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101. The absorbent 8 is provided so as
to extend across the front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101 via the crotch
section 13. The non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 is placed in the
center
area of the crotch section 13. Further, the split sections 8b of the absorbent
8
are placed such that one split section 8b extends from the girth section 12 in
the
front abdominal region 100 to the crotch section 13 so as to straddle the
cemented section 11 and such that the other split section 8b extends from the
girth section 12 in the rear abdominal region to the crotch section 13 so as
to
straddle the cemented section 11'. Thus, the absorbent 8 is split, and the
crotch section 13 is formed in a curved shape. Hence, the outer sheet 2 and
the inner sheet 3 are pushed by the absorbent 8 in the crotch section 13
between the front and rear abdominal regions 100, 101, thereby forming the
bulging sections 16, 16 (see Fig.4).
In the brief-type diaper 10, the rigid cemented sections 11, 11' extend
straight in the longitudinal direction along the center sections of the front
and
rear abdominal regions 100, 101 so as to avoid the leg openings 15. Hence,
the wearer does not have any unusual feeling around the legs.
Further, the bulging sections 16 arise in the crotch section 5 of the front
and rear abdominal regions 100, 101, whereby spaces are defined between the
absorbent 8 and the wearer's skin. Since the wearer's penis or excretions
24
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
such as fecal matter ace housed in the spaces, the degree to which the
excretions adhere to the wearer's skin can be diminished. Further, the
absorbent 8 of the crotch section 13 assumes a flat surface which is likely to
absorb body fluids such as urine.
Although not illustrated, even in the modification a leakage prevention
wall 17 may be provided beforehand on either longitudinal side of the
absorbent
8 in the longitudinal direction thereof, as in the case of the first
embodiment.
Provision of the leakage prevention wall 17 yields an effect of the ability to
leak
body fluids such as urine to the absorbent (see Figs. 5 and 6).
[Second Embodiment]
Fig. 8 provides a partially fragmented developed plan view of a brief-type
diaper according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig.9A provides a
schematic perspective view of the second embodiment viewed from front and
Fig.9B provides a schematic perspective view of the second embodiment
viewed from rear side and Fig.9C provides schematic perspective view. of the
second embodiment viewed from side. Also Fig. 10 is a descriptive view of the
brief-type diaper of the second embodiment, showing a case where a leakage
prevention wall is provided on the diaper, and Fig. 11 is a plan view showing
a
brief-type diaper obtained as a result of the brief-type diaper shown in Fig.
10
being formed, and Fig. 12 is a partially fragmented developed plan view
showing a modification of the second embodiment. In the embodiment below,
those constituent elements which are the same as those described in
connection with the first embodiment are assigned the same reference
numerals, and their explanations are omitted.
In Fig.8, reference numeral 20 designates a pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper. The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20 is
constituted of
the outer sheet 2 constituting an exterior, and the inner sheet 3 to be
brought
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
into contact with a wearer's skin. The outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3
assume a substantially-oval outer shape. The pre-form blank for a brief-type
diaper 20 is a single cloth, wherein substantially-V-shaped indentations are
formed at a substantial center of the pre-form blank existing between a part
of
the pre-form blank which is to act as the front abdominal region 100 and the
other part of the pre-form blank which is to act as the rearward abdominal
region 101. The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20 comprises the
substantially-semicircular pre-girth sections 4, 4' located at upper and lower
portions of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20; and the
substantially-swath pre-crotch section 5 which is located between the pre-
girth
sections 4, 4' and has substantially-V-shaped indentations 6, one being
located
along side edges of the part of the pre-form blank which is to constitute the
front
abdominal region 100 and the other being located along side edges of the part
of the pre-form blank which is to constitute the rear abdominal region 101. A
pair of pre-leg openings 7 are formed in the form of a substantially-oval hole
at
respective positions on the pre-girth sections 4, 4' so as to extend from the
pre-crotch section 5 to the pre-girth sections 4, 4', the positions being
symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry X-X of the pre-form blank for
a
brief-type diaper 20. The geometry of the pre-leg opening 7 is not limited to
a
substantially-oval shape but may be a circular or semi-circular shape or a
simple cut line (slit).
The absorbent 8 comprises a liquid-impervious back sheet, a
liquid-pervious top sheet, and an absorbent core interposed between the
sheets.
Each longitudinal end of the absorbent core 8 is split into two in a
transverse
direction of the absorbent core 8. The non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8
is provided at the center of the pre-crotch section 5 such that a longitudinal
direction of the absorbent 8 is oriented horizontally. The split sections 8b
are
26
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
provided along the respective side edge portions 5a of the
substantially-V-shaped indentations 6 formed at the respective ends of the
pre-crotch section 5.
Inner sheet 3 is bonded integrally to the upper surface of the outer
sheet 2, and the absorbent 8 is laminated onto the upper surface of the inner
sheet 3. Alternatively, a waterproof back sheet, which constitutes the
absorbent 8, may be interposed between the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet
3. As a result, even when excretions, such as body fluids, have mistakenly
leaked out, the back sheet will prevent seepage of the excretions to the outer
sheet 2. The elastic members 9 are horizontally provided on the upper surface
of the sheet 2 along the upper end of the pre-girth section 4 and the lower
end
of the pre-girth section 4' in a stretched manner. When the pre-form blank has
been formed into a brief-type diaper, the elastic members 9 undergo extension
and shrinkage, thereby rendering a girth portion of the diaper resilient. The
elastic members 9 to be provided at the pre-girth sections 4, 4' are
preferably
made such that the degree of elongation and stress change from the waist
region to the girth region. As a result, the degree of fastening changes from
the waist region to the girth region, thereby causing the diaper to conform
much
better to the figure of the wearer's body.
When a brief-type diaper 10 is formed from the pre-form blank 20, the
non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 comes to the center of the pre-crotch
section 5 on the upper surface of the inner sheet 3 of the pre-form blank for
a
brief-type diaper 20. The split sections 8b are provided along respective side
edge portions 5a of the substantially-V-shaped indentations 6 formed at the
respective ends of the pre-crotch section 5 and are bonded to the inner sheet
3.
The pre-form blank 20 is folded vertically along the axis of symmetry X-X,
thereby superimposing the pre-girth sections 4, 4' one on the other. The side
27
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
edge portions 5a of the superimposed pre-crotch section 5 are cemented
together, thereby forming the waist opening 14. A cementing method to be
employed in this embodiment includes thermal fusing, ultrasonic fusing, and
bonding involving use of an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.
Figs. 9A to 9C show the thus-formed brief-type diaper 10. As shown in
Fig. 9A to 9C, the brief-type diaper 10 has such a shape that the girth
section
12 is slightly tapered toward the crotch section 13. The cemented sections 11,
11' are formed in the girth section 12 of the front and rear abdominal regions
100, 101, so as to extend straight from the waist opening 14 to the crotch
section 13. The absorbent 8 is provided so as to extend across the front 100
and rear abdominal regions 101 via the crotch section 13. The split sections
8b of the absorbent 8 are placed such that one split section 8b extends from
the
girth section 12 in the front abdominal region to the crotch section 13 so as
to
straddle the cemented section 11 and such that the other split section 8b
extends from the girth section 12 in the rear abdominal region to the crotch
section 13 so as to straddle the cemented section 11'. Further, the non-split
section 8a of the absorbent 8 is placed in the center area of the crotch
section
13. Thus, the absorbent 8 is split, and the crotch section 13 is formed in a
curved shape. As described in connection with the first embodiment, the outer
sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 are pushed by the absorbent 8 in the crotch
section 13 (within the area encircled by a broken-line frame A in Fig. 9C)
between the front 100 and rear abdominal regions 101, thereby forming the
bulging sections 16, 16.
Alternatively, the leakage prevention wall 17 may be provided
beforehand on either longitudinal side of the absorbent 8 in the longitudinal
direction thereof. As shown in Fig. 10, if the leakage prevention wall 17 is
provided along both side edges of the absorbent 8, the leakage prevention wall
28
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
17 will be provided along a boundary between the absorbent 8 and the pre-girth
sections 4, 4' of the pre-from blank for a brief-type diaper 20. When the
pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20 is formed into the brief-type diaper
10,
the extremities of the leakage prevention walls 17 are closed at the cemented
sections 11, 11'. When viewed from above, the leakage prevention wall 17
assumes a substantially-oval shape such as that shown in Fig. 11. The
leakage prevention wall 17 is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric cloth. The
elastic member 9 is provided along the free longitudinal side of the leakage
prevention wall 17 in an elongated state. When the pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper 20 is formed into the diaper-type brief 10, the elastic
member
will contract and raise the leakage prevention wall 17. Provision of the
leakage
prevention wall 17 yields the effect of the ability to prevent leakage of body
fluids such as urine from the absorbent 8.
Since the brief-type diaper 10 of the embodiment has the foregoing
construction, the wearer does not feel any unusual feeling around his/her
legs.
Thus, the cemented sections 11, 11' are spaced apart from lateral portions of
the waist opening 14. Therefore, when the wearer wears the brief type diaper
10, helshe can readily pull up the diaper while pinching the lateral portion
of the
waist opening 14 with the fingers. Thus, the diaper becomes easier to wear.
Further, the bulging sections 16 arise in the crotch section 13 of the
cemented
sections 11, 11', whereby spaces are defined between the absorbent 8 and the
wearer's skin. Since excretions such as fecal matter are housed in the spaces,
the degree to which the excretions adhere to the wearer's skin can be
diminished.
Fig. 12 shows a modification of the second embodiment. The pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper 20 assumes a substantially-rectangular shape.
The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper is a single cloth, wherein
29
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
substantially-V-shaped indentations 6 are formed at a substantial center of
the
pre-form blank for a brief type diaper existing befinreen a part of the pre-
form
blank for a brief-type diaper which is to act as the front abdominal region
100
and the other part of the pre-form blank which is to act as the rear abdominal
region 101. The pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20 comprises the
substantially-semicircular pre-girth sections 4, 4' located at upper and lower
portions of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper 20; the outer sheet 2
formed from the substantially-swath pre-crotch section 5, the pre-crotch
section
being located between the pre-girth sections 4, 4' and having
substantially-V-shaped indentations 6; that is, one being located along side
edges of the part of the pre-form blank for the brief-type diaper which is to
constitute the front abdominal region 100 and the other being located along
side
edges of the part of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper which is to
constitute the rear abdominal region 101; and the inner sheet 3, in which the
opening section 18 substantially identical in size with or slightly smaller
than the
absorbent 8 is formed in the center of the inner sheet 3 and in which the
inner
sheet 3 is placed integrally on the upper surface of the outer sheet 2.
Further,
the elastic members 9 are provided on the upper surface of the sheet 2 along
the outer brim of the pre-girth section 4 and the outer brim of the pre-girth
section 4' in a stretched manner. The elastic members 9 to be provided at the
pre-girth sections 4, 4' are preferably made such that the degree of
elongation
and stress change from the waist region to the girth region. As a result, the
degree of fastening changes from the waist region to the girth region, thereby
causing the diaper to conform much better to the figure of the wearer's body.
Moreover, the pre-leg openings 7 are formed in the form of a substantially-
oval
hole at respective positions on the pre-girth sections 4, 4', the positions
being
symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry X-X of the pre-form blank for
a
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
brief-type diaper 20. The geometry of the pre-leg opening 7 is not limited to
a
substantially-oval shape but may be a circular or semi-circular shape, or a
simple cut line (slit).
When a brief-type diaper is formed from the pre-form blank for a
brief-type diaper 20, the non-split section 8a of the absorbent 8 coincides
with
the opening section 18 of the inner sheet 3 at the center of the pre-crotch
section 5 and between the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 of the pre-form
blank for a brief-type diaper 20. The split sections 8b are provided along
respective side edge portions 5a, 5a of the substantially-V-shaped
indentations
6 formed at the respective ends of the pre-crotch section 5 and are bonded to
the outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3. The pre-crotch section 5 is folded
vertically along the axis of symmetry X-X. The pre-girth sections 4, 4' are
superimposed one on the other and the side edges 5a of the superimposed
pre-crotch section 5 are cemented together, thereby forming the waist opening
14. A cementing method to be employed in this case includes thermal fusing,
ultrasonic fusing, and bonding involving use of an adhesive such as a hot melt
adhesive.
In this way, as in the case of the second embodiment, the cemented
sections 11, 11' are formed in the thus-formed brief-type diaper 10 of the
modification so as to extend straight from the waist opening 14 to the crotch
section 13 in the longitudinal direction along the center section of the front
abdominal region 100 and that of the rear abdominal region 101 (see Fig. 9A
through Fig.9C).
As described in connection with the second embodiment, the
thus-formed brief-type diaper 10 has such a shape that the girth section 12 is
slightly tapered toward the crotch section 13. The cemented sections 11, 11'
are formed in the girth section 12 of the front and rear abdominal regions
100,
31
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
101, so as to extend from the waist opening 14 to the crotch section 13. The
absorbent 8 is provided so as to extend across the front and rear abdominal
regions 100, 101, via the crotch section 13. The split sections 8b of the
absorbent 8 are placed such that one split section 8b extends from the girth
section 12 in the front abdominal region to the crotch section 13 so as to
straddle the cemented section 11 and such that the other split section 8b
extends from the girth section 12 in the rear abdominal region to the crotch
section 13 so as to straddle the cemented section 11'. Further, the non-split
section 8a of the absorbent 8 is placed in the center area of the crotch
section
13. Thus, the absorbent 8 is split, and the crotch section 13 is formed in a
curved shape. As described in connection with the second embodiment, the
outer sheet 2 and the inner sheet 3 are pushed by the absorbent 8 in the
crotch
section 13 between the front and rear abdominal regions, thereby forming
bulging sections (see Fig. 9C).
Although not illustrated, even in the modification the leakage prevention
wall 17 may be provided beforehand on either longitudinal side of the
absorbent
8 in the longitudinal direction thereof, as in the case of the second
embodiment.
Provision of the leakage prevention wall 17 yields an effect of the ability to
leak
body fluids such as urine to the absorbent 8 (see Figs. 10 and 11 ).
Since the brief-type diaper 10 of the embodiment has the foregoing
construction, the wearer does not feel any unusual feeling around his/her
legs.
Thus, the cemented sections 11, 11' do not exist between waist opening 14 and
leg opening 15 at the right and left abdominal region of girth section 12
allowing
the wearer to readily pull up the diaper 10 while pinching the lateral portion
of
the waist opening 14 with the fingers upon wearing the brief-type diaper 10.
Thus, the diaper becomes easier to wear. Further, the bulging sections 16
arise in the crotch section 13 of the cemented sections, whereby spaces are
32
CA 02485863 2004-11-12
defined between the absorbent 8 and the wearer's skin. Since excretions such
as fecal matter are housed in the spaces, the degree to which the excretions
adhere to the wearer's skin can be diminished.
As has been described, the brief-type diaper of the invention is
constructed such that cemented sections are formed into continuous fibers
which extend in the direction in which the brief-type diaper is to be worn, at
the
center section of the front and rearward abdominal regions of the diaper. The
cemented sections are not formed on both sides of a girth. Namely, the
cemented sections are not formed so as to extend from a waist opening to leg
openings. Hence, the wearer does not have any unusual feeling around
his/her legs. Since the cemented sections are not provided in a girth section
of
a left abdominal region and a girth section of a right abdominal region so as
to
extend from the waist opening to the leg openings, the wearer can readily pull
up the diaper when wearing the diaper while pinching up the lateral portion of
the waist opening with the fingers. Thus, the diaper becomes easy to wear.
The side edge portions of the pre-form blank for a brief-type diaper are
cemented together at the center between the front and rearward abdominal
sections. Each of split sections of an absorbent is split in two. Bulging
sections are formed by the absorbent in these sections. Excretions, such as
fecal matter, are stored and held by the bulging section located in the
rearward
abdominal region of the diaper so as not to come into contact with the body of
the wearer. Further, a penis is accommodated in the bulging section of the
front abdominal region of the diaper.
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